• Address: Plot 448 The Village, Moeti Road, Maun, Botswana
  • Phone: +267 686 1551
  • Opening hours 8AM - 5PM
  • Address: Plot 448 The Village, Moeti Road, Maun, Botswana
  • Phone: +267 686 1551
  • Opening hours 8AM - 5PM
Botswana

Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt beds, transforms into a stunning lake during the rainy season, attracting flamingos and other bird species. The pans offer exceptional game-viewing opportunities with large herds of zebras, wildebeest, gemsboks, giraffes, and elephants.
Why Visit Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pans are two of the largest salt flats in the world, remnants of an ancient lake that once covered much of northern Botswana. Located on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert, these vast, stark landscapes offer a safari experience like no other. During the dry season, the pans are an otherworldly expanse of shimmering salt, while the rainy season transforms them into a lush oasis teeming with wildlife.

The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans offer a truly unique safari experience. In the dry season, explore the vast salt flats on guided quad bike expeditions, where the emptiness of the landscape is both awe-inspiring and humbling. During the wet season, game drives take you across the lush grasslands that attract thousands of migratory animals. Cultural experiences with the San Bushmen offer a glimpse into one of the oldest cultures on earth, while stargazing under the clear desert skies is simply magical.

Despite their arid appearance, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans support a surprising diversity of wildlife. During the rainy season, the pans are transformed into a verdant landscape that attracts large herds of zebra and wildebeest, as well as predators such as lions and cheetahs. The pans are also one of the few places in Botswana where you can see the elusive brown hyena. Birdlife is abundant, with flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds flocking to the seasonal lakes.

Best times to Visit

When to go Makgadikgadi

The Best times to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans
June – September
HIGH:27°C / 81°
FLOW:15°C / 58.5°F
RAINFALL:34MM / 1.35IN
This is the best time for quad biking and exploring the salt flats, as the pans are dry and accessible.
October – January
HIGH:27°C / 81°
FLOW:15°C / 58.5°F
RAINFALL:34MM / 1.35IN
The rainy season brings a transformation, with lush grasslands and abundant wildlife, perfect for birdwatching and game viewing.
February – May
HIGH:27°C / 81°
FLOW:15°C / 58.5°F
RAINFALL:34MM / 1.35IN
The pans are lush and green, attracting a variety of wildlife, making it a perfect time for game drives and cultural experiences.
Our Top itineraries through Ngoma

Safaris in the Makgadikgadi Pans

  • Luxury Itinerary: 12 Nights in Victoria Falls, Botswana & Mozambique

  • Classic Safari – 11 Nights in Botswana & Mozambique

  • Botswana Adventurer: 10 Nights Safari

  • Budget Itinerary: 8 Nights in Victoria Falls & Botswana

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Expertly Crafted Safaris

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